unworthy
adjective
un·wor·thy
ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hē 
1
b
: base, dishonorable
2
: not meritorious : undeserving
unworthy of attention
3
: not deserved : unmerited
unworthy treatment
4
: inappropriate to one's condition or station
actions unworthy of a gentleman
Examples of unworthy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dispersion can also make targets unworthy of engagement.
—
Stephen Biddle, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2023
No position, however controversial, was unworthy of examination.
—James Gray, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Aug. 2023
The absence reflects an unspoken stigma: Regional Mexican is considered unsophisticated music for the masses and, therefore, unworthy of a win in the Big Four categories.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 14 July 2023
So instead of acting surprised, guilty, or unworthy when new opportunities arrive, why not greet them lovingly?
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2023
Be The First To Extend Trust As cliché as this sounds, trust is typically extended to someone and then proven worthy or unworthy by the other party.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Apr. 2023
Prospective employees could easily be written off as unworthy of further investment as leaders tighten budgets and try to increase efficiency.
—Amber Burton, Fortune, 26 July 2023
The acting is stellar, but after a strong start the story devolves into melodrama, with a climax and conclusion that are unworthy of what came before.
—Dallasnews.com Staff, Dallas News, 13 July 2023
Advocates for unhoused people say they are often treated as disposable or unworthy of society's protections.
—Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 4 May 2023
See More
Stephen Biddle, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2023
No position, however controversial, was unworthy of examination.
—James Gray, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Aug. 2023
The absence reflects an unspoken stigma: Regional Mexican is considered unsophisticated music for the masses and, therefore, unworthy of a win in the Big Four categories.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 14 July 2023
So instead of acting surprised, guilty, or unworthy when new opportunities arrive, why not greet them lovingly?
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2023
Be The First To Extend Trust As cliché as this sounds, trust is typically extended to someone and then proven worthy or unworthy by the other party.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Apr. 2023
Prospective employees could easily be written off as unworthy of further investment as leaders tighten budgets and try to increase efficiency.
—Amber Burton, Fortune, 26 July 2023
The acting is stellar, but after a strong start the story devolves into melodrama, with a climax and conclusion that are unworthy of what came before.
—Dallasnews.com Staff, Dallas News, 13 July 2023
Advocates for unhoused people say they are often treated as disposable or unworthy of society's protections.
—Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 4 May 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unworthy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of unworthy was
in the 13th century
Dictionary Entries Near unworthy
Cite this Entry
“Unworthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unworthy. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.
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Kids Definition
unworthy
adjective
un·wor·thy
ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hē
ˈən-
: lacking in excellence or worth : undeserving
Legal Definition
unworthy
adjective
un·wor·thy
: not meritorious
specifically, in the civil law of Louisiana
: being or relating to an heir who is deprived of the right to inherit from a person because of a failure in a duty towards the person
unworthiness
noun
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